Alternative methods were assessed of qualitative feed restriction compared to the conventional forced molt technique. Four hundred and eighty Babcock hens were used distributed in three levels of feed restriction (100, 75 and 50%) and three body weight reduction percentages (15, 20 and 25%), with five replications of 32 hens. When the birds reached the body weight reduction percentage the packed cell volume, percentages of ovary, oviduct, gizzard, intestine, abdominal fat and oviduct length were determined. Starting on day 28 and during five 28-day periods the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of production after forced molt were measured. The largest restriction period occurred at 50% of restriction that resulted in the smallest percentages of abdominal fat (0.66%), ovary (0.60%), oviduct (0.77%) and oviduct length (32 cm). The egg production percentage was higher in the first period, for the 75 and 100% restriction methods with up to 15 and 20% body weight reduction, respectively. However, for the birds with 50% restriction and 25% body weight reduction, the highest productions (86.80 and 83.20%) occurred in the 4th and 5th periods. Qualitative feed restriction at 50% of the diet with feed and rice hulls, because it was less aggressive, resulted in better welfare conditions and facilitated farm management.
animal welfare; feed fasting; laying hens; ovary; qualitative restriction percentage
